Iran says to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days - Reuters

**Iran to Declare New Restricted Zone in the Gulf Within Days, Officials Say** *Tehran has warned that it will soon establish a “prohibited zone” around the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could affect one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.*

Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that the government will announce a new restricted area in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, a step it says is intended to safeguard national security and protect Iranian shipping lanes. The zone will be enforced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC‑N), which will monitor vessel movements and restrict access to the designated waters. Tehran has not disclosed the exact dimensions of the area, but officials indicated it will cover a segment of the strait that is critical for the transit of oil and commercial cargo.

The announcement comes amid heightened friction between Iran and the United States. In recent weeks, Iran claimed to have struck a U.S. vessel operating near Hormuz, a charge the U.S. Navy has denied. Both sides have exchanged accusations over alleged violations of maritime law, and the region has seen an uptick in military patrols and naval drills. Washington has warned that any unilateral restriction of navigation could jeopardize the safety of commercial shipping and contravene international law, while urging Iran to refrain from actions that could destabilise the already volatile corridor.

Analysts say the prospective exclusion zone could prompt rerouting of vessels, potentially lengthening travel times and increasing freight costs. Global oil markets, which are highly sensitive to disruptions in the Hormuz corridor, may experience price volatility if the restriction hampers the flow of crude. The United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the International Maritime Organization have urged all parties to uphold freedom of navigation and to communicate any changes promptly to avoid accidental confrontations. Diplomatic channels remain open, with several countries seeking clarification from Tehran before any operational measures are implemented.